Corn, beans, and squash have been grown together for centuries in the Americas, and for good reason: they naturally work in concert with each other. Corn provides a growing support for the beans, which in turn provide nitrogen for the corn and squash. The large leaves of the squash provides shade that help to conserve moisture in the soil and control weeds. The seeds of each type of vegetable can also be saved from year to year, provided they are isolated from cross-pollination. All three plants are heat lovers, so wait until the soil has warmed up in late spring when the soil is consistently ..read more

One stalk of cooked broccoli gives you 75mg of vitamin C, 1300 IU of beta carotene, 3g of protein and 5g of dietary fibre with only 40 calories. The crown portion tastes great when cooked or steamed. You can eat the greens, too. Retain the stems for soups or soup stock. Continue reading below for some great tips on how to grow broccoli from seed. Latin Brassica rapa var. ruvo Family: Brassicaceae Difficulty Moderately challenging Season & Zone Season: Cool season Exposure: Full-sun Timing Start indoors right around the last frost date or later in spring for summer harvest in 2 to 3 mo ..read more

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This is one of the fastest growing grasses of all, growing from seed to mow-able lawn in just 21 days. It’s a very tough, hardy grass that forms clumps, rather than spreading by rhizomes, and it regenerates easily from wear. Continue reading below for instructions on how to grow perennial ryegrass from seed. Latin Lolium perenne Family: Poaceae Exposure: Full sun to partial shade TimingSow Perennial Ryegrass nearly any time between frost dates. It is ready for grazing within 60 days of planting. It is tolerant to heat, drought, and cold, and has natural resistance to diseases that can ham ..read more

Oats are not particularly cold hardy, so a summer planted crop will die back, holding the soil in place, and providing ample carbon-rich organic matter to till under before planting spring vegetables. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow oats from seed. Latin Avena sativa Family: Poaceae Exposure: Full sun to partial shade TimingThe fast growth of this soil builder makes it ideal for sowing in the spring for erosion control or quick tilling. Planted in August, oats will put on a lot of growth and, in most winters, will be killed by frost. Hardy to Zone 8: -12°C (-10°F ..read more

We love red clover as a cover crop. Its thick, deep roots access nutrients lower in the soil column than many plants can reach and bring them to the surface. It can stand up to foot traffic, and can be mowed two to three times in summer, extending its bloom period. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow Medium Red clover from seed. Latin Trifolium pratense Family: Fabaceae Exposure: Full sun to partial shade TimingMedium Red clover does best from spring or fall sowing. Sow after last frost, or August to early October. StartingSow seeds no deeper than 5mm (¼"). GrowingEach time it ..read more

Use Klondike Ladino clover as a nitrogen fixing cover crop, or as a long term ground cover, either on its own, or in combination with grasses. It tolerates wet conditions and foot traffic. It reduces soil compaction and improves soil health. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow Klondike Ladino clover from seed. Latin Trifolium repens Family: Fabaceae Exposure: Full sun to partial shade TimingPlant any time between the last frost date and early autumn. Hardy to Zone 4: -34°C (-29°F). StartingSow seeds no deeper than 5mm (¼"). GrowingFor nitrogen fixation, allow the plants to ..read more

The roots of this hardy annual extend deeply into the soil, improving porosity and drainage, and fixing nitrogen as they grow. The tops are lanky and sprawling, and can be cut in spring to provide an excellent mulch. Continue reading below for information on how to grow Hairy Vetch from seed. Latin Vicia villosa Family: Fabaceae Exposure: Full sun to partial shade TimingSow vetch as early as the ground can be worked, and on into late spring. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop. StartingSow seeds 5-10mm (¼-½") deep. GrowingFor nitrogen fixation, allow plants to reach the flowerin ..read more

Fava Beans cover crop seeds produce hardy annual, upright plants. This small-seeded broad bean is a popular nitrogen fixer. The large brittle plants work in easily with front end tillers, or can be cut and composted. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow Fava Beans from seed. Latin Vicia faba Family: Fabaceae Exposure: Full sun to partial shade TimingFava beans can be started as early as the end of January, or as late as early November where winters are mild. Plants grow slowly, and are hardy down to Zone 7: -17°C (0°F). StartingAim for a minimum of four plants per square foot. S ..read more